This is life.

 “A real work of art destroys, in the consciousness of the receiver, 
the separation between himself and the artist.” 

~ Leo Tolstoy

There is no better way to spend the morning after an amazing festival than to wallow in the tranquility and peace at Churchill Park.

Especially on a magnificent summer’s day.

Mornings just don’t come any better than that.

We sat and watched white eyes and blackbirds feed of the insects on the water lilies

Rosellas dropped casually onto the grass, then took of in haste when they realised they weren’t alone.

Even the Pukeko graced us with their presence.

Briefly.

I still find them the most comedic of birds to watch.

Their spindly legs and feet look so clumsy and yet they move so effortlessly.

Until they attempt to fly.

Take off is labored, awkward.

Crash landings are common.

Their voices run the whole gamut of expression.

From curiosity to scolding to interrogation.

We got the scolding. 

We were on THEIR turf.

This week also found us on the sandspit and mudflats of Tahuna Torea.

The bird reserve is a no-go area for hounds so we took ourselves onto the sandspit.

The tide was out so MUD became the new accessory.

There were no Kingfishers to be found so we stalked the Skua instead.

Skua are very vocal.  

And loud.

Reveling in the magic all around as they had their say is priceless.

Nothing can beat it.

All the mayhem and angst that accompanies life vanishes into the ether.

THIS is life and this is REAL.

These many miles that the hound and I ramble each day are cathartic.

They give back what the chaos takes away.

Surviving is an art form.

We’ve got it down pat.

“Go out and walk.  That is the glory of life.” 

~ Maira Kalman

ps.  I had thought I’d got this survival thingy down pat but today showed me that I haven’t always.  That trusty little mobile steed of mine that’s taken me miles and miles to markets and to visit the SO is in need of some TLC.  For too long we’ve patched it together with bandaid.  Tonight the bandaid didn’t work.  A tow-truck will be needed.